I don’t know about you, but I’m always on the lookout for meals that are both refreshing and satisfying. 

Especially when the mid-summer heat is in full swing, I prefer meals that will help me look my best in my swimsuits and summer wardrobe. 

But it’s still important to ensure your body gets the proper nourishment it needs to thrive. 

I love to whip up a light, nutritious salad that is perfect for a summer lunch or dinner. Something about the crispness of fresh vegetables, the sweetness of grapes, and the hearty protein from chicken just hits the spot.

After experimenting with a few different combinations, I’ve crafted a salad that not only tastes amazing but is also packed with essential nutrients.

I call it the “Summer Slim-Down Salad” because it contains ingredients rich in a specific trace mineral that has been shown to help reduce cravings and support weight management efforts by aiding in blood sugar control.*

But before I tell you what mineral it is, would you like to try to guess from the ingredients list? 

Here are the ingredients and steps to make it yourself.

Broccoli, Grape, and Chicken Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• 1 cup green grapes, halved

• 2 medium potatoes, boiled and diced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup green beans, blanched and cut into 1-inch pieces

• 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced (about 6 ounces total)

• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

• 1/2 cup whole grain croutons (optional)

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Prepare the vegetables:

• Steam the broccoli florets until tender but still crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Rinse under cold water to stop cooking and keep the color vibrant.

• Boil the potatoes until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain and let cool before dicing.

• Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then rinse under cold water and cut into 1-inch pieces.

2. Prepare the chicken:

• Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Let cool slightly, then slice into thin strips.

3. Assemble the salad:

• In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, grapes, diced potatoes, cherry tomatoes, green beans, and sliced chicken.

• Add the sliced almonds and whole-grain croutons if using.

4. Make the dressing:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.

5. Toss the salad:

• Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.

6. Serve:

• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Nutritional Info:

Servings: 4 / Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1.5 cups) / Calories: 350-400 / Fat: 15g / Protein: 20g / Carbohydrates: 40g / Sugar: 12g / Fiber: 6g

Did you guess the secret mineral yet?

OK, I’ll tell you…

The ingredients in this salad are all rich in the mineral chromium.

Here’s why chromium can help you slim down.

• Weight Management: Chromium can help reduce cravings and support weight management efforts by aiding in blood sugar control.

• Metabolism: It plays a role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, aiding in energy production and nutrient utilization.

• Blood sugar regulation: Chromium enhances the action of insulin, a hormone critical for converting food into energy. By improving insulin sensitivity, chromium helps regulate blood sugar levels, which is particularly beneficial for people with diabetes or insulin resistance.

• Heart health: Chromium can help improve lipid profiles by reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol, potentially lowering the risk of heart disease.

Chromium can be essential in weight management, but it can be difficult to get a sufficient amount of it from food alone. 

That’s why it can be beneficial to take a supplement containing chromium picolinate. I specifically like Chromax chromium picolinate because it’s a highly bioavailable form of chromium picolinate (15x more bioavailable than other forms) and is supported by 35 human clinical studies affirming its benefits.

In addition to this recipe, the team at Stonehenge Health is cooking something designed to help you reach your weight loss and wellness goals. Here’s a hint… it combines chromium with probiotics.

Head over to our Dynamic Biotics+ for Women page and discover how you can add chromium (and many more ingredients) to your daily routine.